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Updated: Oct 9, 2025
09:26
Quantification and Whole Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Wastewater and Air Samples
Published on: June 30, 2023
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SARS-CoV-2 spreads through cell-to-cell transmission
Cong Zeng1,2, John P Evans1,2,3, Tiffany King4,5
1Center for Retrovirus Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210.
Summary
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spreads via cell-cell contact, not just airborne particles. This direct transmission is less affected by antibodies, impacting COVID-19 understanding.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Understanding viral transmission mechanisms is crucial for control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate SARS-CoV-2 cell-to-cell transmission mediated by the spike glycoprotein.
- To compare SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV cell-to-cell transmission efficiencies.
- To explore mechanisms and inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 cell-to-cell spread.
Main Methods:
- Co-culture assays to observe cell-to-cell transmission.
- Use of endosomal entry inhibitors to probe mechanisms.
- Assessment of neutralizing antibody and sera efficacy against cell-to-cell versus cell-free infection.
- Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) B.1.1.7 and B.1.351.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 spike facilitates cell-to-cell transmission more efficiently than SARS-CoV spike.
- Endosomal membrane fusion is implicated in SARS-CoV-2 cell-to-cell spread.
- Cell-to-cell transmission is largely refractory to neutralizing antibodies and convalescent sera.
- Both B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 VOCs exhibit similar cell-to-cell transmission capabilities.
- Differential resistance of VOCs to vaccinee sera was observed in cell-free and cell-to-cell infection models.
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV-2 spike-mediated cell-to-cell transmission is a significant mode of spread.
- This transmission route offers insights into viral pathogenesis and immune evasion.
- Findings highlight the need for therapeutic strategies targeting cell-to-cell spread.
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